Polk Audio


I picked up a pair of Polk Audio RTi -A1 compact speakers recently and was surprised at how big they were on scale and bass. The guy I bought them from had been using them as surrounds in his AV system and when I said they were going to be used in a stereo set up, he seemed puzzled that I would want to use them that way.

Anyway, I'm hugely impressed by how the Polks handle rock music especially - they're hooked up to a Krell KST-100 power amp. They've got a lot of weight in delivery, apart from the bass and scale. I've gotten similar results from small speakers in my room, but they've been much more expensive ....

However, what puzzles me is the negative vibe people seem to have about Polk. "Oh, they used to be good once upon a time but are crap now," is what someone in the distribution industry remarked.

This is the first time I'm listening to Polk speakers. I don't see any justification for his remark.

Anyone else here has a good experience with Polk's current range? Seems great value to me ...
bassraptor
Before I bought my current speakers (Sehring S703s), I owned a pair of Polk LSi9's. I thought the Polks were thoroughly mediocre. They replaced a pair of Infinity bookshelf speakers I bought in the early 1990s for $300. The Infinity speakers were significantly better than the Polks in all respects and the Sehrings blow them away. I tried to sell the LSi9's, but got no offers, so ended up giving them away.

I tried to sell the LSi9's, but got no offers, so ended up giving them away.
Mcondon

Mcondon, no idea what you expected to get for your Polks but I just watched a pair of LSi9s sell on ebay for $650.
Day 4 with the RTi-A1, have also used them with my Khartago Mono Extreme SE amps, and the speakers continue to amaze me. My solo issue - they're finished in black, which I hate. Even new, I think these would be excellent value. And I've had a pair of Monitor Audio GX50 and KEF LS50 playing in the set-up not so long ago ...
I've had the same attitude toward Best Buy as most on this forum. I've only gone there to buy a TV or air conditioner. But if they're getting into more high end, what's wrong with that? Granted, it's entry-level "audiophile" gear, but I'm shocked to find decent speakers such as MartinLogan...

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/MartinLogan+-+Theos+8%22+Floor+Speaker+%28Each%29+-+Gloss+Black/2768792.p?id=1218349687756&skuId=2768792
I have the Rti-A1's in my bedroom set up and they sound good considering what they cost. Polk Audio is the budget king at the moment. BB is a good place to audition speakers before you buy. They also price match anything in their magnolia showroom
which is cool considering they are now carrying some hi end stuff.
Polk Rti-A1's are great in a small to mid sized room.